County staff outline paving projects after state boost to grant funds

Chair (Speaker 2) told the work session that the county previously received about $680,000 in LME grant funds for paving projects and that the governor's amended 2024 budget increased statewide allocations and removed the matching requirement. "We're right in the $680,000 that we received in LME grant funds for paving projects... The governor in his budget basically doubled that amount so that the counties can be eligible to receive the same amount in addition to what we've already received," he said.

Road Department staff (Kirk, Speaker 5) reviewed current work: finishing last year's pavement contract (striping and reflectors), reopening Hodgson Road after repairs, culvert and driveway work, cross-drain repairs on Fry Street Road, utility-pole relocations (Buck Inn) and pipe replacements on Damascus ahead of tar/gravel and chip-seal operations. Staff said they have both chip-seal machines back in service and are preparing for upcoming bids.

The board also discussed Hobson Road, a site where engineers have proposed replacing a culvert with a bridge. Chair (Speaker 2) and staff said an earlier engineering estimate put the project's cost near $700,000 and that building a temporary access road may be required because the subdivision lacks a secondary entrance. Staff said they will review cost estimates and may apply for emergency funding; they expect clearer numbers and a decision point by the next regular meeting in two weeks.

No new spending was authorized at the work session; commissioners asked staff to confirm procurement rules with the Department of Transportation and to return with updated project lists and bids.